Legislative Wrap-Up by Rep. Beth McCann, Colorado House District 8
The regular session ended in drama, acrimony and disappointment when political maneuvering denied the Civil Unions bill, and 30 other bills, a vote on the House floor. The Governor called a three-day special session to try and undo some of the damage.
It was disappointing to see the Civil Unions bill die in committee on straight party line vote. I was honored to vote for the bill in the Finance Committee during the regular session and am truly disappointed that I was not able to cast a ‘yes’ vote on the House floor. Several good bills were passed during the special session, including a bill funding water projects across the state.
On a brighter note, the Legislature did manage to agree on a number of jobs bills and passed a bipartisan budget during the regular session. Some notable jobs bills included: funding for job retraining, additional funding for economic development, film production incentives, and connecting colleges and universities with employers to coordinate relevant training for students.
Finally, here is an update on the bills that I sponsored and were signed into law.
Juvenile Direct File (HB 1271): Requires a judge to decide if a 14 or 15 year can be tried in adult court for a serious crime if a prosecutor requests it. The bill also requires a judge to decide if a 16 or 17 year old, who is charged in adult court, can move their case to juvenile court. In adult court, a juvenile is sentenced in the adult prison system rather than the juvenile system and the juvenile will have a felony conviction. Currently, the prosecutors’ decision to file against a juvenile is not reviewed by a court. I believe that a decision with such significant ramifications should be subject to judicial review. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on April 20, 2012.
Human Trafficking (HB1151): Creates protections and rights for victims of human trafficking. It had broad support and was signed into law by the Governor on May 11, 2012.
9Health Fair Tax Check-Off (SB 55): The 9Health Fair will be added as a check-off on the Colorado tax form. This fair provides a great service to the people all over the state to obtain health tests at affordable rates. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 16, 2012.
Dialysis Certification Sunset Bill (HB 1204): This bill extends a law that requires dialysis technician certification, ensuring that dialysis procedures are safe and performed by competent, qualified technicians. The bill was signed by the Governor.
Please feel free to contact me with your comments and questions at beth@bethmcann.org or 303-866-2959